As more and more students enroll in virtual/distance graduate education programs, the number of U.S. and international universities offering such programs is increasing. American students enrolling in virtual/distance graduate programs through U.S. universities can easily assess the potential value of their degree. If the virtual/distance degree is granted by a U.S. institution that holds a regional accreditation, than it is generally accepted—at least by the employers and institutions I’ve worked with—as a valid degree. American students enrolling in virtual/distance graduate programs sponsored by non-U.S. universities have a bit more of a challenge in this area.

How do you know if the virtual/distance degree program you’re interested in going to result in a degree that U.S. employers recognize as valid? You’ll need to do some research to find out.

When potential employees come into human resources offices showing evidence of earning a degree from a non-U.S. institution, it is my experience that those offices will generally contact one of the many degree evaluation agencies operating in the U.S. to determine if the non-U.S. degree is valid.

I asked several people working in higher education in the U.S. exactly what sort of things are evaluated and was told that these evaluation agencies take a variety of things into consideration in evaluating the validity of a student’s degree.

• First, they attempt to find out if the non-U.S. university that awarded the degree was operating legally in its host country.
  
• Second, they look for evidence that the host country has an accreditation or evaluation system similar to that found in the U.S.
  
• Third, they look for evidence that the education authority in the host country has actually evaluated the education standards for the degree awarding institution and has approved that institution’s ability to award degrees.
  
• Fourth, they look for evidence that governmental agencies and employers in the institution’s host country consider that institution’s degrees valid.
  

It appears, based on conversations with folks who work with accreditation issues, that more non-U.S. institutions are starting to claim U.S. accreditation. Whether these institutions are actually able to obtain accreditation from a U.S. accrediting body, I don’t know. However, I have heard that some U.S. accrediting agencies are actually receiving requests from non-U.S. institutions for accreditation evaluations.

So, do you enroll in the virtual/distance graduate program or not? That’s a question you’ll have to answer on your own. As with any virtual/distance graduate program, U.S. sponsored or otherwise, you need to evaluate: whether or not the program is accredited by a U.S. accrediting agency or holds an equivalent standing, whether the program adequately meets your needs, and whether you are an appropriate fit with their requirements.
Whatever you decide, recognize that graduate school is a long-term commitment on your part and you’ll want to enroll in a program that will “get you the most bang for your buck.”

Until next time! Lynn Byrne

If you would like a referral for a credential evaluation service (a U.S. based service that evaluates the validity of credits or degrees earned from non-U.S. institutions) near you, contact the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.